Shopping Extravaganza: Black Friday Across the U.S.

Sarah Pascarella has a master's degree in writing, literature, and publishing from Emerson College, where she specialized in magazine writing and nonprofit publishing. She is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the New England Writers association.

Gargantuan malls, cozy Christmas markets, and holiday bazaars—all will be open for business this Friday, November 23, the biggest shopping day of the year. Check out these possibilities around the country to start your holiday shopping.

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Black Friday across the U.S.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as America's biggest shopping day of the year. Many Americans start the day empty handed and finish with gifts purchased for everyone on their list. Gargantuan malls, cozy Christmas markets, and holiday bazaars—all will be open for business this Friday, November 23. Check out these possibilities around the country to start your holiday shopping.

(Photo: iStockPhoto)

Black Friday across the U.S.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known as America's biggest shopping day of the year. Many Americans start the day empty handed and finish with gifts purchased for everyone on their list. Gargantuan malls, cozy Christmas markets, and holiday bazaars—all will be open for business this Friday, November 23. Check out these possibilities around the country to start your holiday shopping.

(Photo: iStockPhoto)

Saks Fifth Avenue

A New York trendsetter in more ways than one, Saks Fifth Avenue gets decked out for the holiday season with elaborate window displays. Situated on Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets, this landmark store has previously trussed up its windows with animated snowflakes and scenes from James Patterson's book santaKid, typically accompanied by music. If you can't make it here before Christmas, the store is known for great post-holiday sales.

(Photo: WireImage)

Mall of America

America's largest mall is the one-stop shop to get all your holiday shopping done. Spanning more than four million square feet in Bloomington, Minnesota, the Mall of America has more than 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, an aquarium, and much more. There are several holiday events planned, including Photos with Santa through December 24.

(Photo: Mall of America)

Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt

This year, the famous Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, will be open seven days a week from November 23 through December 31. Modeled after traditional German and Austrian Christmas markets, the Christkindlmarkt features handmade ornaments and other artistic gifts; authentic food such as strudel, Belgian waffles, and hand-twisted pretzels; and live holiday music. Admission is $10 for adults. You can also buy a season pass if you plan on returning for multiple shopping excursions.

(Photo: ArtsQuest)

King of Prussia Mall

The East Coast's answer to the Mall of America, the King of Prussia Mall features more than 400 stores and tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes. Located just outside Philadelphia, the mall offers retailers such as Lord & Taylor, DKNY, and Versace, as well as 40 restaurants. Feeling overwhelmed, or need help finding just the right gifts? Take advantage of the mall's personal shopper service and receive assistance over email.

(Photo: King of Prussia Mall)

Frankenmuth Farmer's Market—Christkindlmarkt

More than just the home of Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth, Michigan, hosts a lively Christkindlmarkt at its famous farmer's market over Thanksgiving weekend. Stop by for freshly cut greens, local produce and holiday-themed baked goods, crafts, live music, and more.

(Photo: Dietrich Bronner)

America's Largest Christmas Bazaar

The Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center in Oregon once again hosts America's Largest Christmas Bazaar, an annual two-weekend extravaganza featuring 1,000 booths selling crafts, gourmet foods, holiday greens and flowers, decorations and ornaments, jewelry, and more. This year's event will be held November 23 through 25 and again from November 30 through December 2. Adult admission is $6.50.

(Photo: Chuck Palmer)

Macy's Herald Square

Macy's in New York City's Herald Square may be one of the most festive locations in the city. Immortalized in "Miracle on 34th Street" and satirized in "The Santaland Diaries," Macy's Christmas festivities are truly an American tradition. This year, the eighth floor once again turns into Santa's headquarters, with a 13,000-foot Christmas Village awaiting wide-eyed kids. And be sure to check out the window displays before heading in for shopping.

(Photo: Macys East)

Denver Christkindl Market

You'll find the eighth annual Denver Christkindl Market at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center from November 23 through December 23. Wares for sale include holiday gifts from Austria, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; traditional foods such as Bavarian sausage, strudel, and gulasch; and Christmas trees. There will also be glass-blowing demonstrations and holiday performances.

(Photo: Denver Christkindlmarkt 2006, Fred Reim)

South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is one of Southern California's premiere shopping destinations. Located in Costa Mesa, Orange County, South Coast offers more than 250 stores to browse, including Apple, Bloomingdale's, and Tiffany. Be sure to see the 96-foot white fir holiday tree, located at Town Center Park adjacent to the Westin South Coast Plaza. The official tree lighting—all 20,000 bulbs, Santa's arrival, and live holiday music—is November 26 at 6 p.m.

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